Apico LPE Kawasaki boss Steve James is on the verge of an historic double and adding the 2014 Garmin Arenacross Tour Team title to the Pro rider crown Fabien Izoird won for him in Sheffield.
But with a 38-point lead and a possible 45 points up for grabs at the season showdown at Wembley Arena on Saturday night it’s still not a done deal given the unpredictable nature of Arenacross racing.
“We still have the team championship to win,” says Steve. “We now have a 38-point lead and need just eight points to clinch that title which is also very important to both riders and the team. I still feel that the job’s not finished – anything can happen – but we’d like to make sure of it by going out with a win and both riders on the podium like we did in Sheffield although I know that will be tough.
“We also want to get Loic up from fourth into third – to get both riders in the top three and win the Team championship would be a very special achievement.”
The only team with a mathematical chance of catching Steve is the MBO Sport ASA Yamaha pairing of Daniel McCoy and Kristian Whatley but Team Manager Jon Giffard knows it’s a big ask.
“We’ll be going all out for the win in Wembley,” says Jon, “but being totally honest we’re going to have to have an amazing night and they will have to have a disaster if we’re going to get the Team title. But I’m still happy – don’t forget Kristian was totally unproven indoors coming into the tour and although Daniel had a great record I’d never worked with him before so had no idea what to expect.”
While the MBO outfit can’t be caught for second, there’s a great battle for third with four teams – Dave Thorpe Off Road Centre Honda, SR75-Molson, Putoline Apico Honda and Buildbase Honda – all with a shout of finishing on the podium.
Last year’s champions, SR75-Molson are currently tied for third and team boss Geoff Walker is aiming to end the season with a podium through the efforts of riders Cyrille Coulon and Carl Nunn.
“I’d be over the moon if that could happen and that’s certainly the aim,” says Geoff. “With Cyrille chasing second and Carl working hard there’s no reason why we can’t.
“LPE and MBO have both put in strong performances so well done to those two. In fact well done to all the teams – the effort everyone’s put in this year has been amazing.”
Tickets for Wembley Arena – starting at £11.10 for kids and £21 for adults – are still available. To book call the 24hr Box Office on 0844 338 8000 or go to www.theticketfactory.com
